Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Her scent and warmth surrounded him completely.
He took a deep breath, fighting to maintain control.
“Alicia, I want to hold you.”
Without hesitation, Alicia responded, “No.”
But in the next instant, he swept her into his arms.
He frowned and struggled, but it only tightened his grip.
It wasn’t a request.
It was a declaration-commanding and unwavering. After holding her for a considerable time, Caden gradually relaxed his hold, but still kept her close.
He lowered his head, his lips brushing against her hair.
Alicia protested, her voice tinged with frustration. “Caden, let go of me!”
He seemed not to hear her. Gently, he pushed aside her long hair to admire her graceful neck. It was exquisite, captivating.
He felt mesmerized by every inch of it.
He pressed his lips against her skin.
Alicia stiffened at the sensation of his dry lips, too startled to move.
Caden’s kiss was gentle but deliberate. He let his fingers trace her waist, but nothing more-he refrained from making any bold advances.
He slowly began kissing her cheek.
Alicia’s expression grew colder, her tone sharp. “Caden.”
His eyes glimmered with an almost imperceptible hint of red.
She couldn’t tell whether it was born of lust or love.
Her tempting lips were just within reach. He only needed to lean in slightly to taste them-a temptation he couldn’t resist.
But, despite the pull of desire, he forced himself to restrain his impulses, his voice low and serious. “Alicia, if I don’t touch you, will you choose to be with me?”
Alicia’s eyes flickered, curiosity sparking within her.
What were his intentions now?
Caden pressed on, “I can manage, but you must give me a timeline.”
She remained silent, hesitant.
“How long would it take? Three months? Six months? It doesn’t matter to me. I can endure the wait,” he murmured softly.
Alicia replied, her voice steady, “What if I said ten years, or even twenty? Could you wait that long?”
Caden hesitated.
It felt as though he were being tortured.
In the realm of business, he was astute. He understood how to read people’s psychology, skillfully blending truth with deception to secure his deals. He could apply the same tactics with Alicia.
Yet, he recognized her sharpness; he wouldn’t dare use those strategies on her, knowing he couldn’t afford any missteps.
He fell silent for a few moments before finally saying, “Yes, I can.” He buried his face in her neck, trying to convince himself. “I can, Alicia.”
Alicia couldn’t help but chuckle.
“In twenty years, you’ll be forty-six,” she remarked, her tone unwavering. “Will you even be able to… perform?”
Caden felt anger rise within him, his veins throbbing at his temples.
“Don’t even think about forty-six. Even at sixty, I’ll still be just as energetic as ever.”
Alicia smirked, tilting her face slightly upward. They were so close now that her movement brought their faces nearly together.
Their warm breaths mingled, the air charged with a spark just waiting to ignite.
Caden felt a surge of desire flood through him.
Alicia sensed it, too. She wanted to pull away but found herself frozen in place.
She scoffed, “Mr. Ward, your self-control leaves much to be desired. Forget ten years; I doubt you could last ten seconds.”
Caden’s jaw clenched, his expression hardening. “Let’s wager on those ten seconds. If I manage to hold back, you’ll agree to be with me.”
Alicia laughed. “I’m not going to indulge you in such childish games.”
Caden pressed his lips together, his expression darkening. “You’re far too refined for childish games, are you? Then how about something a bit more… assertive?”
Caden slid his hand along her waist and deftly lifted the hem of her dress.
The delicate fabric slipped through his fingers like liquid. His playful hand slipped under her dress, hidden from view.
Alicia pressed against his chest with all her strength, her expression changing slightly. “Caden, what do you think you’re doing?”
Caden’s movements were both bold and direct. His hand, hidden beneath the flowing fabric, sought out her most sensitive area.
Her cheeks turned a deep crimson.
Caden maintained his composure as he watched her reactions. “If this deal doesn’t work out, I may have to consider another tactic. How do you feel about that?”
Alicia found herself unable to push him away, feeling a mixture of humiliation and anger.
“Caden, you just said you would not touch me for at least ten years. What is happening now?”
Caden let out a soft laugh. “What else would you expect from someone who hunts?”
He slid his fingers deeper as he spoke.
Alicia shivered, tears in her eyes.
Her anger was palpable.
Caden found her reaction both charming and frustrating, so he gently urged her, “‘If you agree to my terms, I will make no further threats. That is not a terrible offer for you, is it? There are many guests outside. Someone will come by soon, and I don’t want them to hear your delightful screams, Ms. Bennett.
Bennett.”
Alicia felt backed into a corner and had no choice but to give in. Reluctantly, Caden withdrew his hand, refraining from taking advantage of her.
Alicia longed to distance herself from him. She pressed against his chest, her voice laced with contempt as she said, “Get out!”
Caden remained perfectly still.
He raised a hand to press gently against her flushed lips, leaving a crimson stain on his finger.
Then, with deliberate slowness, he brought the finger marked with her lipstick to his own lips.
“Consider this a seal; our agreement is now in effect.” Then he unclasped her necklace.
The delicate pendant swung gently from his long fingers. “This is far too small. Tomorrow I will get you the largest gem available.”
Alicia, furious, grabbed a handkerchief and scrubbed the lipstick from her mouth.
In a fit of rage, she threw the tissue in Caden’s face. “You can have it all!”
Caden grinned playfully. “Next time you want to wipe your lipstick off, you won’t have to fight. I can help in other ways. “
Alicia understood exactly what he meant. Her voice grew cold. “I told you to leave!” Caden pulled his hand back.
She quickly moved away from him, adjusting her hem with determination.
He fixed his gaze on her. “Don’t ever try to avoid me again.”
Alicia shot back, “I am not avoiding you. If you cannot find me, it is simply because you lack the skill.” “I am certainly proficient in other aspects. Would you like to find out if I am bragging?” Alicia remained silent.
She turned away, picked up her purse, and then brought her heel down hard on Caden’s foot.
The sudden pain sent a shiver down Caden’s spine, but he kept his face neutral.
Even as agony coursed through him, he maintained a tough facade.
For emphasis, he added, “1. Is that really the best you can do?”
After Alicia left, he lingered in the lounge for a while.
When he finally left, he saw Gerry hanging around.
Gerry had been following them, but had heard nothing;
He only saw Alicia storm out into the hall, clearly angry.
He assumed the two had had a significant argument. To his astonishment, he noticed the smudge of lipstick on Caden’s lips.
He concluded that it indicated that the two had shared a kiss. So why was Alicia so upset?